Three Gardaí are facing possible disciplinary action over the circumstances leading to the death of cyclist Shane O'Farrell.

The 23-year-old was knocked off his bike and killed in a hit-and-run incident in County Monaghan in 2011.

The driver of the car had numerous previous convictions - and had been released by Gardaí despite being arrested over other offences while on bail.

In the Seanad this evening, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said the Garda Ombudsman (GSOC) had now completed a disciplinary investigation into the actions of the force in the run-up to the death.

“A report has been sent to the Garda Commissioner, which recommended certain actions,” he said.

“I have not been furnished with a copy of the report but I have been informed that GSOC has recommended that disciplinary action be taken against three members of An Garda Síochána.

He said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was now examining the report – and warned that any decision on whether to take action “is a matter entirely for the Garda Commissioner alone to decide.”

He said a separate GSOC investigation found no evidence of criminality on behalf of the Gardaí.

Investigation

He told the house that the actions of the Gardaí “fell short of what should have happened where a person is on bail or remand and is subsequently arrested for other offences, and that is what GSOC has been investigating over the period since then.”

“Shane O'Farrell was obviously a much loved son and brother,” he said.

“His death has clearly been devastating for his family to whom, once again, I extend my condolences.”

The O’Farrell family has called for a full public inquiry into the Garda investigation.

"Scoping inquiry"

Minister Flanagan said former District Court, Judge Gerard Haughton is currently carrying out a “scoping exercise” to uncover “any remaining unanswered questions, which should be the subject of further inquiry or investigation and, if so, the most appropriate manner in which they should be investigated.”

“I met with Mr and Mrs O'Farrell and three of their daughters last week to outline my proposals to them,” he said.

“I acknowledge that they objected to the process of a scoping exercise.

“They did agree, however, to consider the proposed terms of reference and to engage with Judge Haughton on the terms of reference. I very much thank them for that.”

He said he will be “in a position to make a further decision on taking the matter forward” as soon as he receives Judge Haughton’s report.